KC Weekend

One of the great things about living in Lawrence is that a trip to Kansas City takes about the same amount of time as it use to take me to drive to work each day. The only difference is there is so much more to see and explore in KC and I have yet to get tired of visiting the Power & Light District. I have been looking forward to this weekend for weeks and it felt so invigorating to get away if even for just a couple of days with my girl, Tanya. What was even better was being surprised by a visit from one of my other best friends.

Our weekend consisted of checking out the Renaissance Festival; something I'd been curious about and that curiosity has now been sufficiently satisfied. We did have a good time throwing axes however I discovered that no living creature will ever have to fear being hunted by me with a bow and arrow. We drank beer with the pirates, laughed at the cod pieces, and had a well endowed wench explain to the guys what a cleavage goblin was. There were some interesting characters running around there for sure. Even Captain America was sighted, obviously confused on which era he was suppose to be celebrating.

Saturday night was full of good food, yummy drinks at various spots in the District and us ending up in an Irish pub listening to a live band playing '80's music. The entire bar sang a stirring rendition of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" and I got goosebumps when they sang my favorite song of all time, "Don't Stop Believing." The night ended much too soon with us closing down the bar and after lots of hugs and a few tears we quickly made plans for the next time we would get together. Time goes by so fast but I cherish the memories we created this weekend and can't wait for the next adventure.

 

Gen giving her new DeMarini a test drive....

She has been given the task of guarding first base and she takes it very seriously. She doesn't let anything get by her.

September 15, 2010

I should be trying to sleep but my mind is full of anxious thoughts and won't let me rest. I have been searching daily online, driving around neighborhoods, and thumbing through the Saturday open houses for weeks trying to find just the right home. After viewing several in what would likely be a very boring episode of "House Hunters", I finally found the one that feels like 'home.'  Today the seller accepted my offer and in 30 days from today, it will be mine pending that a few inspections go well. My garage is stacked floor to ceiling with cardboard boxes; the ones that had no place to go. Finally, they will be unpacked, broken down, and no longer will we have to utter the words, "Oh, that is in a box somewhere."

Gen had a big weekend in her first tournament as a Phenix. It was two grueling days of softball for a team that has a lot of growing to do. That seems to be a common theme around here lately. Hopefully they will soon redeem themselves and gain some much needed confidence. They sure look good though!

Saturday was an awesome day for some football and a much needed win there as well! We had the best time cheering on our Hawks and soaking up a perfect Fall day with good friends and good beer. Rock Chalk!

It hasn't taken long for my girls to find their niche here in Larryville and as a result we spend the majority of our evenings running. I was really hoping to be able to participate in Fall Dog Day's because it is just two nights a week but even at that there just isn't time.

A couple weeks ago Gen got the opportunity to tryout for the Lawrence Phenix softball team and they offered her their 12th spot. It is a brand new 12 and under competitive team within the Phenix organization and some of the girls have never played competitive ball before. We have tournaments until the end of October including one called the "Monster Bash" for Halloween and the team practices twice a week. By next Spring I'm positive we will see a totally different skill set and hopefully Gen has found a team she can grow with. Her first tournament as a Phenix is this weekend and it will feel weird not seeing her in that white jersey she wore for four straight years.

Syd is still hopeful she will find a softball team in the 10 and under division but until then she has jumped right back into dance lessons, specifically hip hop. I was worried that she would struggle with a new school, new instructor but even with missing the first night she picked up the steps very quickly. Her instructor is a young man who loves to dance and Syd says he is crazy. I think that makes for a perfect combination so she should do well.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of meeting workout dude's parents and his sister and her family. I was so nervous but from the minute I got out of the truck and saw those bright friendly faces, all that anxiety disappeared. The first thing his mom did was give me a big hug. It was like we had known each other all our lives. I had an "aw" moment when I met his dad; he reminded me so much of mine. Something about his facial features and the way he spoke made me think of my dad and all those times I sat with him around the kitchen table shooting the bull. I got to listen to them tell hilarious stories in between brief intermissions to fetch more ice and whiskey and by the time we left, my stomach muscles ached from laughing. It was the perfect evening and one that I hope we will repeat soon.

I had been anticipating this Labor Day weekend ever since last November; the beginning of the college football season. This year especially for a number of reasons. First, going to KU football games is something my sister and I have established as "our thing." We always have a good time regardless of the outcome and this year we have the best seats we have ever had. Score! Second of all, living in Lawrence has given me what I have always longed for but missed out on; tailgating with friends. No more two hour drives rushing to get to town to make kick-off. My sister knows how pissy I get when I miss all the traditional pre-game events and if I miss kick-off, it's not pretty. I got really excited when I heard they are serving veggie burgers this year at the stadium. Oh my gosh.. that's a little slice of heaven in my world!

Lastly, this year I have workout dude and he loves the game just as much as I do. That is a huge thing we have in common and something I've never fully experienced with anyone else. He is a creative cook so we have big plans for elaborate tailgates with his buddies and my friends have made plans to come join us as well.

This is a rebuilding year for my team and our first game was ugly to say the least but we can only go up from here. It will be a struggle but as a fan I will keep the faith and even a bad day as a Jayhawk is better than not. Regardless of the score, experiencing Memorial Stadium like I am this year is what I have always wanted and I will absorb every minute of it while cheering for my Hawks and praying for a win.

Rock Chalk my friends!

Better than Birks??

This is the look that made even Syd, my fashion diva go, "Huh? Really?" No, I'm not talking about the awesome shirt. I'm referring to the footwear that has become popular at the Junior High.

After the first week of school Gen announced that a lot of the kids at school wear Birkenstocks with short socks... and she thought it was kinda cool. My response to her was, "AAAAGGGHHH!"

I'm not sure if this look is better or worse and she has crazy socks in every color to mix it up each day. Even my Croc wearing friend said, "Even I don't wear socks with sandals!"